Friends climb Africa's tallest mountain

Paul Adams, who runs Adams Electrical Retail Ltd, and his co-worker Dave Honour, scaled the 19,340ft high Mount Kilimanjaro.

The pair spent almost a week negotiating the climb - with temperatures ranging from 25 degrees to minus 10.

They walked an average of 80 kilometres a day, covering the lower moorland as well as the mountain itself.

Mr Adams, recovering from the ordeal back in 1066 Country, said: "Our main problems were that of fatigue, headaches, and the strain on our knee-joints.

"We were both lucky not to get high altitude sickness."

And he said the views made the effort worthwhile.

"Once we reached the crater rim and Stella Point," said Mr Adams, "the glaciers were as awe-inspiring as they are pristine."

Both hikers were raising money for Hurstwood Park Brain and Spine Foundation and the Facial Palsy Clinic at Queen Victoria Hospital.

And between them they estimate they have already collected nearly 3,000.

Mr Adams said: "On behalf of Dave and myself, we would like to thank all our sponsors, family and friends, (especially Bill and Dorothy Bailey) for their kind donations, and support."

Anyone who wants to add a few late pennies can do so by ringing Adams Electrical Retail on 01424 213205.